Determination of concrete strength by standard, destructive, semi-destructive and nondestructive methods

ABSTRACT PhD Thesis DETERMINATION OF CONCRETE STRENGTH BY STANDARD, DESTRUCTIVE, SEMI-DESTRUCTIVE AND NONDESTRUCTIVE METHODS ÖMER ARIÖZ Anadolu University Graduate School of Sciences Civil Engineering Program Supervisor : Prof.Dr. Mustafa TUNCAN Co-Supervisor : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kambiz RAMYAR 2004, 233 pages The most important quality test on concrete is the determination of compressive strength that indicates the quality and gives an idea about the other important properties of concrete. The results of the standard tests are compared with the values used in design calculations and the quality is controlled. Standard tests give an idea about the potential strength of concrete but they may not represent in situ strength of concrete due to the differences between the compaction degree and curing conditions of concrete and those of standard samples. Core method is the most reliable method for determination of in situ strength of concrete but it is a destructive test and therefore, the applicability of the test is limited. In situ strength is also important for the planning of the construction works. In the present study, the results obtained from standard tests, core tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, rebound hammer tests, pull-out tests and maturity methods were analyzed for the determination of concrete strength during the construction stage and at the later ages. Keywords: Concrete Strength, Standard Tests, Core, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, Rebound Hammer, Pull-out, Maturity 11